Thu Dec 26 09:29:50 UTC 2024: ## Teen Debutant Konstas Stars in Boxing Day Thriller as Australia Reaches 311/6
**Melbourne, Australia** – A Boxing Day Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will be remembered for the stunning debut of Australian teenager Sam Konstas. The 19-year-old captivated the record 87,242-strong crowd with a breathtaking 60 from 65 balls, becoming only the third-fastest Australian Test debutant to reach a half-century.
Konstas’s innings, which included a minor on-field clash with Virat Kohli, set the tone for a thrilling first day. His aggressive batting style put the Indian bowlers under immense pressure early on. However, India fought back strongly in the latter stages, taking four late wickets to leave Australia at 311 for six at the close of play.
Jasprit Bumrah led the Indian bowling attack, claiming three wickets for 75 runs, including the crucial scalps of Travis Head (0) and Mitchell Marsh (4). Akash Deep also contributed, dismissing Alex Carey for 31. Despite the late wickets, Australia’s top order provided strong support, with Marnus Labuschagne scoring 72, Usman Khawaja contributing 57, and Steve Smith remaining unbeaten on 68 at stumps.
Konstas, despite his disappointment at being trapped lbw by Ravindra Jadeja, expressed his delight at his debut performance and the support he received from his teammates. The five-match series is currently tied at 1-1.
First Piper 